Syed Kirmani ‘honoured’ to get lifetime achievement award

Former India stumper Syed Kirmani was nominated for this season’s Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achiev-ement award by the BCCI on Thursday.

The awards committee met at rge Cricket Centre in Mumbai and unanimously nominated Kirmani for the award for 2015, said a BCCI release.

“I’m truly honoured to get this award. It is very special for me as the award is named after the first Test captain of the Indian team. It is very special for me and I will cherish it throughout my life,” said Kirmani, who made his India debut against New Zealand in 1976.

The committee consists of BCCI president Shashank Manohar, secretary Anurag Thakur and N. Ram, chairman of the Hindu.

The BCCI celebrates the birth centenary of Col. Cottari Kanakaiya Nayudu, the country’s first Test captain, by instituting an annual lifetime achievement Award, to honour individuals for their unparalleled contribution to Indian cricket, on and off the field.

The award comprises a trophy, citation and cheque for Rs 25 lakhs. Having started his career as an understudy to Farokh Engineer, Kirmani took over the responsibility and added his charm to the role in a decade-long career. It was thanks to his tenacious approach that he scored two Test centuries in the lower order.

Against England in 1981-82, he did not concede a single bye in three consecutive Tests. He was named the best ’keeper in the 1983 World Cup. Kirmani shared an unbeaten 126 runs partnership with Kapil Dev against Zimbabwe as the Indian captain went on to register one of India’s greatest wins at Tunbridge Wells.

Kirmani also provided solid support to Sunil Gavaskar in the unbroken 143-run stand for the ninth wicket as Gavaskar made 236 not out, the then top score by an Indian against the West Indies in the sixth Test at home.

The Indian government awarded him the Padma Shri in 1982. He was the vice-president of the KSCA and also the chairman of the national selection committee.